December 26, 2023 / By Candace Nicholson
As a person who frequently listens to music, I have come across countless songs that have touched my heart and mind. However, there are certain songs that have a deeper meaning and resonate with me on a different level. One such song is “Weigh, Hey and Up She Rises” by The Irish Rovers. I remember stumbling upon this song at a friend’s house, and from the first note, I was captivated.
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Before delving into the meaning behind the song, let’s take a closer look at the lyrics:
What will we do with a drunken sailor
What will we do with a drunken sailor
What will we do with a drunken sailor
Early in the morning!
Way hay and up she rises
Way hay and up she rises
Way hay and up she rises
Early in the morning!
Shave his belly with a rusty razor
Shave his belly with a rusty razor
Shave his belly with a rusty razor
Early in the morning!
Way hay and up she rises
Way hay and up she rises
Way hay and up she rises
Early in the morning!
Put him in a long boat till he’s sober
Put him in a long boat till he’s sober
Put him in a long boat till he’s sober
Early in the morning!
Way hay and up she rises
Way hay and up she rises
Way hay and up she rises
Early in the morning!
Stick him in a barrel with a hosepipe on him
Stick him in a barrel with a hosepipe on him
Stick him in a barrel with a hosepipe on him
Early in the morning!
Way hay and up she rises
Way hay and up she rises
Way hay and up she rises
Early in the morning!
Put him in the bed with the captain’s daughter
Put him in the bed with the captain’s daughter
Put him in the bed with the captain’s daughter
Early in the morning!
Way hay and up she rises
Way hay and up she rises
Way hay and up she rises
Early in the morning!
That’s what we do with a drunken sailor
That’s what we do with a drunken sailor
That’s what we do with a drunken sailor
Early in the morning!
Way hay and up she rises
Way hay and up she rises
Way hay and up she rises
Early in the morning!
This folk song, originally believed to be a sea shanty, is thought to have roots dating back to the 19th century. It gained popularity among sailors and has since been performed by various artists, including The Irish Rovers.
The repetitive and catchy chorus, “Way hay and up she rises,” adds to the song’s appeal, making it easy for listeners to join in and sing along. However, I couldn’t help but wonder about the deeper meaning hiding behind these seemingly lighthearted lyrics.
Upon further research, I discovered that this song is a glimpse into the life and struggles of sailors during their long journeys at sea. “Weigh, hey” refers to the act of weighing anchor, which is the process of lifting the ship’s anchor before setting sail. “Up she rises” represents the lifting of the ship’s sails to catch the wind. The song reminds me of the routines and tasks sailors had to endure during their voyages.
The verses about shaving the drunken sailor’s belly with a rusty razor and sticking him in a barrel with a hosepipe reflect the disciplinary actions taken aboard the ship. Sailors who were intoxicated and acted disorderly were often subjected to such punishments to maintain order and sobriety.
The mention of putting the drunken sailor in the bed with the captain’s daughter adds an element of humor to the song. It hints at the mischief that could occur when the sailors were drunk, as well as a certain level of indulgence or leniency from the captain.
Overall, “Weigh, Hey and Up She Rises” is not just a catchy and entertaining tune; it serves as a window into a specific time and lifestyle. It sheds light on the challenges faced by sailors and the measures taken to ensure discipline and order during their journeys at sea.
The Irish Rovers’ rendition of this traditional sea shanty breathes new life into the song, keeping the spirit of the sea alive through their captivating performance.
So the next time you find yourself tapping your foot and singing along to “Weigh, Hey and Up She Rises” by The Irish Rovers, remember the history and meaning behind the lyrics. A seemingly simple sea shanty holds a world of stories and experiences within its verses.
Album title: The Irish Rovers Gems
